Saint Mary's officially replaced the American Red Cross with ABI in January after months of planning.

"We became their exclusive blood provider on Jan. 1," Dan Miller, ABI program consultant, said. "We've been working together for the past few months."

The hospital was impressed with ABI's focus on community, Brenda Harrison, Saint Mary's community relations and marketing director, said.

"Arkansas Blood Institute Saint Mary’s serves as the blood bank for our region, so blood donated with the Arkansas Blood Institute truly helps the people of the [Arkansas] River Valley," Harrison said. "If a person is a patient at Saint Mary’s and needs blood, the blood will come from donations made to the Arkansas Blood Institute."

ABI will conduct its inaugural Saint Mary's blood drive at the hospital on Feb. 24. Because of its proximity to Valentine's Day, the event is being referred to as the Sweetheart Blood Drive.

Donors will receive a donor appreciation item and be entered in a drawing to win a dinner for two at Oak Tree Bistro in Russellville along with a box of chocolates from Rose Drug. Snacks and sodas will be available to donors after giving blood.

Donors will also receive a mini-physical at no charge. The donor's blood pressure, cholesterol levels and other information will be mailed to them or can be viewed by registered donors at ABI's website, www.arkbi.org.

Donors can save 10-15 minutes the day of the drive by answering health history questions on ABI's website.

"Customer service is a priority at ABI," Miller said.

ABI is associated with the Oklahoma Blood Institute and the Texas Blood Institute and would like to expand its partnerships in the Arkansas River Valley.

"We're excited to be here and work with everyone in the community," Miller said. "We encourage other organizations to contact us to support the local needs."

For more information, email Miller at dmiller@obi.org or call him at (479) 652-3001.